A new deal to build up to 12 advanced modular nuclear reactors in Hartlepool, the first in the UK, again highlights how the SNP Government’s block on new nuclear means East Lothian is missing out on jobs and investment, say local Labour representatives.

The deal, between Centrica and US firm X-energy, could create up to 2,500 jobs, while the companies estimate the new facility would generate enough power for up to 1.5 million homes and unlock £12bn investment for the north-east of England.

The new modular reactors will be developed next to the Hartlepool’s existing nuclear power station, which like Torness is owned by EDF and is set to be decommissioned in 2028, two years before Torness.

The deal has been enabled by a new agreement between the US and UK governments, expected to be signed at the state visit this week. This will make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries, for example by speeding up the time it takes for a nuclear project to get a licence from roughly three or four years to around two.

Commenting on the impact of the SNP’s block on new nuclear projects, Douglas Alexander MP said:

“This is a historic deal for Hartlepool, which is set to have the UK’s first advanced modular reactor putting it at the forefront of our nuclear future. However, this could easily have been East Lothian if it wasn’t for the SNP’s outdated block on new nuclear projects.

“Torness has similar nuclear experience and expertise to Hartlepool, but the SNP’s refusal to shift on its rejection of nuclear means we are missing out on significant new investment and quality jobs here.

“It underlines the urgent need to change this backwards policy in order to give East Lothian and the rest of Scotland the chance to benefit from the Labour Government’s roll-out of new nuclear.”

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“While the rest of the world is embracing new nuclear technology, Scotland is being left behind. The SNP Government’s head in the sand approach to new nuclear projects risks letting down communities here and across Scotland.

“East Lothian cannot afford to miss out on billions of pounds of investment and high skilled jobs and apprenticeships. We need to end the SNP’s block on new nuclear so that we can follow Hartlepool’s example and benefit from small modular reactors.

“This could help ensure a future for nuclear generation on the Torness site, delivering clean, reliable energy, good jobs, and significant investment into the local economy.”